dangle wrote:
I'm on the IL/WI border and run through the winter with my 55lb lab mix with very short fur and fairly lean. My vet (also an ST'er) didn't seem to think a jacket/sweater was necessary (please correct me if I'm wrong doc), but did give me some good tips to look for to see if the dog gets too cold. Lifting paws/not keeping all four on the ground and licking the lips while looking nervous/unhappy are the only two I remember though. I don't know enough about different breeds to know if yours may be more susceptible to the cold.
That dog is bonkers about running in the cold and seems to do okay with just about anything if he is moving. Even single digit windchill for shorter (30 minutes?) runs weren't an issue. We would go on multi hour jog/hikes in fresh snow and he wouldn't want to get in the car after. Where are you located? Anywhere crazy cold?
Visibility has been the biggest thing. He's black and the cars that see me and my several blinky lights and headlamp may only give me a couple feet of passing room which is no bueno when the dog is on a 3-4ft leash. I had attached a couple safety lights and a bike taillight to his running harness in the past, but wasn't super happy since they usually pointed straight up or straight down. I recently bought the
Noxgear Lighthound and it's been the best solution so far. It's really silly how visible he is now. The two of us look stupid, but we're seen. I had an older lady pull over and get out of her car to thank me earlier this week. Somebody hit her dog while they were walking in the dark and she was nearly in tears talking to me.
Sorry to derail this so much. I'm still a little shaken by that lady from Monday.
We're just south of you, in Chicago proper---so not crazy cold, but your point about visibility is taken to heart, believe me.
She is not a big fan of the cold, especially when expected to sit for stoplights. Haven't seen her lifting her paws out of discomfort, but I've seen her shiver after coming in out of the rain. She's super lean, and you can see her skin through the fur. I guess until I know otherwise, I think I'll try to err on the side of keeping her warm/dry.
The Ruffwear jackets mentioned by IknowEverything look good---no buckles, lightweight, rain proof.